‘I had work to do.’ Finn climbed in beside her, his leg resting against hers in the small space. ‘A ball takes a lot of manpower to put together.’
‘You work a lot. First, the skating party, now this.’ He had his other work too, always writing articles or working on his research. Who knew what other responsibilities he had regarding the estate? He’d been the responsible one growing up too. It was no surprise he’d turned out this way—so serious, so hard working. ‘Don’t you ever have fun?’
‘My work is gratifying. It’s a special source of fun.’ Finn reached for the reins, but Catherine was faster. She snatched them and shouted to the team, slapping the reins on their backs for good measure, ‘Get on!’
‘What are you doing?’ Finn raised his voice to be heard over the wind.
‘Going for a sleigh ride!’ Catherine called back, tossing him a triumphant look as they sped over the snow. New flakes began to fall, lighting the greying landscape in the magical dusk. It was a thrill of a ride. They sailed over rolling hills, the speed heady and exhilarating. Catherine shot a glance at Finn beside her, his face a study of surprise and then a smile and then a great, loud laugh as they took a snowy corner. The brisk wind hit her face and she gave a shout of pure delight.
She pulled the horses to a halt near the shelter of the woods, her breath coming out in panting puffs from the excitement. ‘I haven’t driven like that since...since last winter!’
‘Last winter?’ Finn sat back in the seat. ‘I suppose I should be thankful this was a regular skill of yours. Where did you learn to drive like that?’
She let the reins go slack and leaned back with him. She laughed. ‘We have snow in Paris too, you know. My friends and I would have sleighing parties in the Bois de Boulogne outside the city. My great-aunt has a friend who has a chateau and we’d visit quite a lot if there was snow.’ Catherine gave her hair a toss, swinging it over one shoulder. Finn shifted in his seat.
‘Do you miss your friends in Paris?’
‘I do, but I like being home and being with my parents. My friends and I will write and Paris isn’t so very far these days. I will see them again.’
‘Do you mean to go back?’ His dark eyes were serious once more.
‘Only to visit.’ She smiled and rapped him on the arm. ‘Are you eager to get rid of me so soon? It’s been three days and already you’re packing me off.’
‘No, I’m merely trying to discern your plans.’
Why? she wanted to ask. Catherine felt as if any false step here would prevent Finn from saying what was on his mind. They were dancing around something here. She kept her answer vague.
‘I hadn’t thought of any beyond getting home and celebrating Christmas.’ And marrying Channing and being part of the Deverill clan for ever. That particular plan sounded a bit childish now in retrospect. ‘I’ll help my father with his research, of course. He always needs help organising his material.’ Catherine shrugged. ‘The usual, I suppose. There will be church meetings and ladies’ circles. Perhaps we might go down to London for part of the Season. What about your plans? Do you have any more expeditions planned to the Caribbean?’ She could see him already at the head of an expedition, sailing down uncharted waters, so strong, so alive.
‘I don’t know. Maybe. Viscount Wainsbridge would like to have me map a new river for him, but I’m not sure I can get away. There is a lot to do here and Father is relying on me more and more.’ There was a battle waging there. She could see hints of it in his eyes, no matter how blasé he tried to sound. The earldom had long been a conflicted issue for him. It was the conditions that disturbed him the most, the idea that his father would have to pass for him to achieve the ends to which he’d been raised. He was in no hurry to inherit and yet such waiting must be stifling for a man like him. He wanted to do something with his life, not sit around waiting, not when there were new worlds to explore.
‘Channing could help while you’re gone.’
That earned her a stern look. ‘Channing will be in London. He spends most of the year there now with his, ah, new business venture. Besides, I wouldn’t want to miss the girls’ weddings. They’re both bound to be married by this time next year.’
‘It’s all right to do something for yourself, to want something just for you, Finn,’ Catherine offered tentatively.
* * *
Even if it’s you? She had no idea how utterly beautiful she looked—the picture of health, bright and vibrant against the white of the snow. His body recognised such beauty instantly, although he wished it wouldn’t. Finn shifted once more in his seat. ‘It’s complicated.’ Like our kisses. ‘The balance between duty and desire is not necessarily something that can be explained.’ Again, much like his reaction to her.